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5 email marketing mistakes

Posted on | April 17, 2009 | No Comments

I just read a great article by Jeffrey D. Gray, who is the Marketing Manager at iContact:

5 Email Marketing Mistakes You Might Be Making and Not Know It

To quickly summarize, here are some DON’Ts:

  • Don’t send too often. I recommend 2-4 times a month. Jeffrey recommends 1-2. I think anywhere in there is good. Unless you are offering breaking industry news, a special offer, or your readers opt-in to your daily emails, one email per day is way too much.
  • Don’t have too much going on and be sure to have a clear direction for your missive. Make everything as easy as possible for your readers.
  • Don’t use more text than images. Maintain a nice ratio that appealing to look at and not overwhelming to read.
  • Don’t forget a CALL TO ACTION! What do you want your reader to do after reading your email?
  • Don’t be predictable. Mix things up. Be consistent with your layout and the sections of your regular mailing, but don’t beat a dead horse. I love Jeffrey’s example:

Imagine your favorite television show is Seinfeld. Now imagine you turned on the TV and it was the one about the Marble Rye Bread that Jerry stole from an old woman on the sidewalk. The next day, you turn on Seinfeld, and it was the one about the Marble Rye Bread that Jerry stole from an old woman on the sidewalk. Then, the day after that, you tune into Seinfeld and it was the one about the Marble Rye Bread that Jerry stole from an old woman on the sidewalk. Eventually, you know what’s coming. Remember Pavlov’s dog?

If you would like a complimentary review and assessment of your company’s existing newsletter or are interested in hearing how a regular customer emailing can help boost your sales, email me. Contact me before April 30 with the offer code EMAIL and you’ll receive 10% off your first email marketing service.

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